FA order Shrimpers to replay Barton clash

The first round clash, that took place last Tuesday night, saw Barton convincingly beaten 6-1 at Sharpenhoe Road.

However the League One side fielded a 14-year-old substitute in the closing stages, whose date of birth fell outside of competition rules.

Although Rovers didn’t appeal the result, chairman Darren Whiley was hoping his side will be able to switch the replayed game to Roots Hall, although that request was turned down.

The match will take place at Sharpenhoe Road on Wednesday at 7.45pmas Whiley said: “In the spirit of youth football we did not protest the result as we were beaten fairly on the night and the introduction of a 14-year-old player with eight minutes to go did not and would not have changed the outcome.

“I do find it slightly odd that the FA have taken a half way house measure in this instance though.

“The FA Youth cup costs clubs money to stage and that cost far exceeds any gate income so we will be out of pocket now staging a replay for doing the honourable thing and not protesting.

“We were in discussions with Southend United about switching the tie to Roots Hall next week which would have been a great day out for the lads.”

Blues Chief Executive Steve Kavanagh added: “I’d like to thank Barton and their chairman for their support in this matter and also for the understanding and manner in which it was dealt by the FA that allowed commons sense to prevail.”